Lumbar osteochondrosis is a deformity of the spine in the lumbar region. The disease affects the intervertebral discs, cartilage, spinal roots and nerve fibers and causes back pain.
CMRT clinics have specialized in the conservative treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis for more than 10 years. The centers are equipped with modern expert equipment for accurate diagnosis, effective treatment and rehabilitation. Experienced specialists use an individual approach and produce therapeutic measures aimed at overcoming the pathology at all stages.
Important!
Accurate diagnosis, determination of the causes and nature of the disease, and effective treatment can only be prescribed by a qualified doctor at an internal appointment.
Cause
The main cause of the disease is the incorrect distribution of the load on the musculoskeletal system. This usually occurs when walking in high heels, carrying a bag to one side, sleeping in an uncomfortable position, or working while sitting. The elderly, pregnant women, newborns, professional athletes and office workers are at risk.
Other causes of lumbar osteochondrosis:
- injuries, bruises, arm, leg, spine fractures
- damage to the organs of the musculoskeletal system
- diseases of the gastrointestinal tract that cause nutrient deficiencies
- body tension during prolonged training
- psycho-emotional disorders
- blood flow disorders in the spinal column
- inflammation of the musculoskeletal system
- infections of internal organs and vertebrae
- joint stiffness, disc displacement
- protrusions and intervertebral hernias
- severe poisoning
- metabolic disorders
- curvature of the posture
- sedentary lifestyle
- dehydration
- unbalanced diet
- calcium and oxygen deficiency
- overweight
- bad habits
- age-related changes
- joint diseases
Symptoms of lumbar osteochondrosis
The intensity and nature of the symptoms depends on the stage of the disease. The sooner the patient notices the signs of lumbosacral osteochondrosis, the more effective the treatment will be.
General symptoms:
- severe pain in the lower back that may radiate to the legs, abdomen and pelvic organs
- pain in kidney and sacrum
- fatigue and tension in the lower back and sacral spine
- Difficulty moving, walking, tilting and turning the body
- occasional back pain
- rapid fatigue after light exertion
- back cracking, limited movement, pain at rest
- numbness of limbs
- spasms and spasms in the muscles
- dizziness
- weakness and loss of strength
- decreased muscle tone and sensitivity
In men and women, the manifestation of lumbar osteochondrosis can be different. Men may have problems with potency. Women are more likely to suffer from pain in the pelvic area. If the deformed spine cannot fully support the back, the uterus and appendages are subjected to additional stress and sometimes move out of their normal physiological position.
Types
The classification of osteochondrosis of the lumbar spine consists of several types of the disease. Depending on the type of pain syndrome, there are:
Lumbago. acute symptom. It is expressed by sharp lumbago and immobility. It occurs with muscle spasms, injuries, pinched discs and nerve roots.
Lumbargia. It is characterized by long-lasting aching pain caused by hernias, protrusions, spondyloarthrosis, sprains and other musculoskeletal disorders.
Sciatica. Severe pain syndrome in the lumbosacral region radiating to the pelvis. The pain spreads to the sciatic nerve, preventing normal bending and stretching of the body and preventing pain-free sitting and standing.
Discogenic lumbar osteochondrosis and radiculopathy can also be distinguished.
Discogenic lumbar osteochondrosis is associated not only with back pain, but also with loss of sensation and numbness in the legs, buttocks, thighs, and lower abdomen. Sometimes the body temperature rises, weakness, urinary incontinence appear, the patient loses weight.
Radiculopathy is expressed by numbness of the nerve roots and a decrease in the person's motor skills. Signs - tingling or pain in the entire lower body, impaired reflexes, decreased muscle tone and joints of the limbs.
Stages of development of lumbar osteochondrosis
Doctors track the dynamics of the pathology in four stages:
First. The symptoms are almost invisible - they are diagnosed on X-rays. The stage begins with pathological processes in the pulp cavity of the overdried disc and microcracks in the fibrous ring.
Second. The height of the intervertebral discs decreases, so the vertebrae are located close to each other. This causes the vertebra to slip and move, which is accompanied by pain during movement.
Third. Stiffness, instability, numbness of the body in the coccyx, lower back and sacrum. This can be explained by the protrusions and protrusions of the vertebrae, the displacement of the joints and the arthrosis of the spine.
Fourth. The hardest grade. On it, the functions of the spinal column are interrupted and bone growths (osteophytes) are formed. The growths can pinch nerves or damage the integrity of the vertebrae.
Consequences of lumbar osteochondrosis
- Excessive accumulation of salt in the body
- hernia formation, protrusion, prolapse of vertebrae and discs
- chronic sciatica
- paresis and paralysis of the legs
Diagnostics
An orthopedist, osteopath, neurologist, rheumatologist, chiropractor and surgeon can diagnose lumbar osteochondrosis and other disorders of the musculoskeletal system. An accurate diagnosis can be made in the following cases:
- An X-ray of the spine, which shows the condition of the bones, cartilage and muscle tissue, as well as the ligaments and tendons.
- Myelography is an examination of the cerebrospinal fluid using dye. It is used to study and evaluate the nerve roots of the spinal cord.
For a more detailed examination, doctors use CT and MRI. You can get the diagnosis in the network of CMRT clinics.
We also recommend performing plasma therapy procedures and pharmacopuncture. In order to maintain health, the services of manual therapy and osteopathy, exercise therapy are recommended.
Treatment of lumbar osteochondrosis
The neurologist deals with the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral spine. The usual treatment regimen looks like this: the doctor diagnoses, determines the degree of development of the disease and identifies complications. With this in mind, choose the treatment method - conservative or surgical.
Physiotherapy
Practical therapy for osteochondrosis of the spine is carried out in an equipped room under the supervision of a doctor. Classes are performed when remission occurs and the patient does not suffer from pain. The doctor monitors the patient's condition during physical activity, if pain or discomfort occurs, he corrects the exercise or interrupts it.
Each therapeutic exercise class takes place in several stages. During the warm-up, the patient performs light exercises that warm the muscles and circulate the blood. In the main part - exercises for the affected spine. Finally, relaxing stretches.
Physiotherapy of lumbar osteochondrosis
Physiotherapy procedures are performed to relieve pain, improve blood circulation and tissue nutrition, and reduce inflammation. Most often, patients are prescribed:
- electrophoresis, which helps to reduce the neurological manifestations of the disease
- diadynamic therapy under the influence of currents of different intensities, which effectively alleviate even severe pain
- ultrasound therapy with exposure along the affected spine
- magnetotherapy with an alternating magnetic field
In order to achieve the best effect, the patient is prescribed a complex of several physiotherapy procedures.
Kinesiology taping
A cotton patch with hot-melt glue is used for anesthesia. There are special therapeutic applications for neck, chest, back and joint problems.
Injections for lumbar osteochondrosis
In the case of lumbar osteochondrosis, the doctor may prescribe the following injections to the patient for treatment:
- Chondroprotectors protect cartilage tissue from further destruction and slow down the development of dystrophic disorders
- NSAIDs reduce inflammation, have antipyretic and pain-relieving effects by reducing swelling at the focus of inflammation
- vitamin complexes restore blood circulation in the affected areas, accelerate the renewal of nerve fibers, improve the condition of the body as a whole
Injections can only be prescribed by a doctor, as the treatment method has contraindications. For example, many drugs are prohibited for allergy sufferers, pregnant and lactating mothers.
Drug treatment
Doctors try to get rid of this method of treatment, but in extreme cases, they prescribe the following drugs for the treatment of osteochondrosis of the lumbosacral region:
- pain relievers only have an analgesic or additional anti-inflammatory effect
- antispasmodics relieve muscle spasms, which relieves pressure on nerve endings and reduces pain
- vasodilator drugs improve blood microcirculation, help reduce spine recovery time after osteochondrosis treatment
Treatment with tablets is carried out separately or in combination with injections. For example, a certain medicine is prescribed in the form of a pill, and if it is not effective enough, it is prescribed in the form of an injection.
Surgical intervention
Surgery is a radical measure, used only in severe cases. During the operation, the doctor completely eliminates the cause of the pain and stabilizes the spine.
Prevention of lumbar osteochondrosis
- Create a moderate schedule for sports and exercise therapy
- take a 5-7 minute break every hour
- sleep on a flat surface or buy an orthopedic mattress
- wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes
Which doctor should you see?
The neurologist makes an accurate diagnosis, prescribes treatment and, if necessary, corrects it. If the disease is accompanied by severe pain or disturbances in the functioning of internal organs, other specialists should be consulted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can help be provided during acute pain in lumbar osteochondrosis?
A patient with back pain should be helped to take a comfortable position in which the pain will go away. After that, you should consult a doctor.
Is it possible to do physical exercises with lumbar osteochondrosis?
During the acute period, physical exercises are contraindicated, the patient must comply with bed rest. When the pain goes away, the patient should do exercise therapy - general strengthening exercises. These should be selected by a doctor. At the same time, it is important to monitor your well-being during physical activity. If any exercise causes pain, it is important to limit the intensity or stop it.